If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, you may be concerned about the risk of wandering and getting lost. You might be struggling to provide activities or social outings to improve quality of life. Or maybe you’re worried that the necessary level of care is beginning to exceed what you can provide at home.
Families facing these situations may find themselves searching for additional help. Discovering memory care communities is often the solution they’re seeking.
What is memory care?
Memory care is a type of senior living community that provides around-the-clock care for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia. Their staff is specially trained in the best practices of cognitive impairment.
You’ll find everything is designed to meet the specific needs of their residents – from personal fitness to tailored therapies.
Take a look at a few of the typical amenities provided:
1. What is memory care? A home for your loved one
Privacy and a safe haven are still important to those living with dementia. Having a place to retreat and a space that can be personalized contribute greatly to an enriched life.
Families are encouraged to bring items that will help their loved one feel at home, such as a favorite chair, framed family photographs or a treasured comforter for the bed.
2. What is memory care? A community designed for support
Memory care communities are specially designed to meet the needs of those living with memory impairment. Families are often surprised – and delighted – to discover layouts that are designed with resident safety in mind but still encourage their loved one to have freedom of movement.
Communities may use shorter hallways, colors and symbols to assist their residents to navigate the common areas while minimizing frustration or anxiety.
3. What is memory care? A staff with specialized skills
Your loved one may need assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, getting dressed or grooming. But care provided will also include companionship, responding to a resident’s apprehension or help to feel more secure.
Memory care staff receive special training that goes beyond basic caregiving skills. They are experienced in caring for those who struggle with confusion and memory loss or have difficulty in verbally communicating their needs.
4. What is memory care? Safety and security
Safety and security issues can become a challenge for those living with dementia. Their personal home may not be equipped to handle the risk of wandering, becoming lost or injured.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in 10 individuals living with dementia will wander and it can happen during any stage of the disease. Memory care communities include secured entrances and exits. Your loved one may have access to a courtyard that allows movement freely from indoors to out, while remaining in a secured area.
5. What is memory care? Activities and social events
One of the challenges when providing care at home is the difficulty in offering activities and social opportunities so your loved one doesn’t become isolated – which can greatly affect both physical and cognitive health.
Memory care communities offer activities created for those living with dementia and can further tailor them to meet the needs of the specific individual. Residents are encouraged to remain engaged, and the social interaction provides feelings of belonging and confidence and reduces agitation.
6. What is memory care? Specialized therapy programs
There are several therapy programs that not only can improve daily experiences for your loved one but also the quality of life. Communities often offer pet, music, art or other reminiscing programs that bring joy and a sense of well-being to their residents.
Benefits from these programs may include slowing the cognitive decline, reducing anxiety and improving mood or outlook on life. There may be opportunities for them through sight, touch, taste and sound to recollect fond memories from their past.
7. What is memory care? Healthy and delicious dining programs
Eating well is important when living with dementia but dining can also present more challenges, especially as the disease progresses. Home caregivers often find it difficult to help their loved ones meet their nutritional needs.
Communities provide relaxing dining rooms, special place settings and appealing food to help their residents feel comfortable. They are able to meet any dietary restrictions and are skilled in encouraging individuals to enjoy the experience.
8. What is memory care? Support for the family
Memory care communities also provide support and resources to the family. Offering education and being available to answer questions or recommend suggestions helps families return to their familiar roles and focus on spending quality time together.
Knowing that your loved one is being well cared for is a great relief and release of stress. It’s also reassuring to know you are no longer alone and have access to help and advice.
The Charleston Senior Living Community
Locally owned and operated, we offer personalized care by our dedicated team members. Setting a new standard in Assisted Living and Memory Care, we don’t define our residents by their limitations or illness but instead believe in focusing on the positive and the possibility.
The Charleston Senior Community includes private apartments for assisted living residents and for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Your loved ones will benefit from our attention to detail, routine health assessments, delicious dining and daily activity programs as we support everyone to live their best life.
Consider a few of our amenities:
- Chef-led dining program
- Community movie theater
- Salon
- Ballroom
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor patio
- Social lounges
- Housekeeping
If you or your family is thinking about Assisted living or Memory care, we hope you will consider The Charleston Senior Community. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions, contact us today.
We also invite you to download our complimentary guide, Just the Facts: Your Guide to Memory Care.
